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Christian Science is not a form of the Prosperity Gospel. It does not teach that “God dispenses material wealth and health based on what we ‘decree’”. Christian Scientists don’t turn to God for money or to somehow get God to do what we want.

True prayer as we understand it begins with the humble desire to learn more of God’s presence and goodness – to seek His will, not one’s own.

Michael Kirsch, MD, in Can prayer heal the sick? wrote about a woman who, after going through a surgery in 1985, was informed that she most likely had only 1 to 2 years to live. “The patient and her husband were devastated.” The husband “related the tragic news to his 3 children, ages 3, 5 and 8.”

While recovering from surgery, the woman’s 3-year-old daughter told her mother she wasn’t going to die because God had told her that her mother would live. “The patient related that she felt an unusual sensation that began at the top of her head and rippled slowly down her body until it reached the soles of her feet.”

When it comes to breakthroughs and victories, though, you don’t just have to witness Michael Phelps compete for yet another Gold Medal. Although Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, you too can be an achiever, a champion.

Yes, your victories may start out smaller than Rio gold, but in the long run, they may actually be more beneficial to you.

The second in the series, Belief: Love’s Story, explores loving unconditionally, love that unites, and loving your enemies. As critical as these are to those yearning to put their faith into practice, I believe that “Love’s Story” is even richer if you also take a look at Love’s power to heal the body.

This year, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone revealed that she had experienced depression. While promoting her role in the 2011 Lars von Trier film, Melancholia, Kirsten Dunst revealed that she had suffered from the mental illness, as well.

Their admissions added to the list of celebrity disclosures. Carrie Fisher, Angelina Jolie, and Christina Ricci have all shared similar stories. Yet, there is hope for these women and for everyone.

Several years ago, I attended a news briefing where the Wave III Baylor Religion Survey was unveiled. The survey confirmed what I have been discovering: Improved mental health is found through greater spiritual awareness.

I couldn’t hide it. My grimace gave it away. “Looks like a torn rotator cuff,” my neighbor said to me last Friday.

I’d reached out to pet his dog, but pain had stopped me before I could raise my arm even an inch.

At that moment, although I didn’t have a physician’s diagnosis, I knew it was time to receive treatment. So, I made a call. I phoned a friend, a fellow Christian Science practitioner, and asked for prayerful help.

“You did what?” You might ask, “What about the needed treatment? Where’s the research and scientific data showing the effectiveness of prayer?”

Each member of the 75th Ranger Regiment had to complete a rigorous eight week Ranger Assessment and Selection Program in order to join the ranks of the elite U.S. Army Special Operations Command unit. Few are physically or mentally qualified to graduate a Ranger.

When I inquired how he was able to stay focused during everything he’d been through, our new Ranger replied, “I held to one simple thing.”

I asked, “What was that?”

He said, “I don’t quit.”

We all have different strengths and abilities. And, perhaps, you won’t be applying my nephew’s Never-Give-In attitude on military battlefields or under extreme assessments, but you can in other situations.

I was glad to see Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare nominated for an Emmy Award. I hope you’ve had a chance to view it.

The filmmakers of Escape Fire realize that society desperately needs a paradigm shift when it comes to providing people with better healthcare. The film focuses on the problems in our healthcare system and offers alternatives to the traditional treatments most Americans are familiar with.

Healthcare is important to me as a Christian Science practitioner. When it comes to helping others through prayer, I feel that I’ve found my calling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help and heal. I also appreciate it when others help me find relief.

Two years ago, as I stood outside and reluctantly prepared to mow my yard, my neighbor’s yardman pulled up with his trailer full of yard equipment. I was reluctant to begin working because my back was aching. It had been hurting for several weeks and I was having trouble bending over.

While watching the yardman drive his riding mower off the trailer, I thought perhaps he could help me. I didn’t realize just how much help he would be.

All the teams were seated around the infield of the Little League Baseball field. My twin brother, Kevin, and I were decked out in our uniforms, sitting and laughing in our team’s cluster between the pitcher’s mound and third base.

It was All-Star selection day. My heart raced in anticipation.

The league was made up of ten, eleven, and twelve year olds. Kevin and I were twelve.

The names of the selected players began to be called out over the loud speakers. Johnny was first. When he heard his name, the new All-Star jumped up and stood on the first base line close to home plate. Parents watching from the bleachers clapped and cheered.

I knew Johnny would be an All-Star. He was an excellent hitter. I anxiously wondered, “When will my name be called?”

The selection process proceeded and player after player lined up next to Johnny. After a few minutes, my question switched to a nervous, “Will my name be called?”